Katie Melua - Piece By Piece
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Free Music Notes for Piece By Piece
Free Music Review: Pieces fit together
Hit: 5 Stars
Piece By Piece has been available since fall 2005 in most parts of the world excluding the U.S., so I, for example, have been listening to this CD for a while. I have, actually, listened a lot to this CD.
Melua is not unlike Norah Jones; a jazzy feel is throughout the set. This album is more pop music oriented than her previous set, Call of the Search. Personally I feel this is a better album, the arrangements are tighter and here we have stronger melodies.
There are no stinkers on this album. Nine Million Bicycles has already been a deserved huge hit world wide with its mystic oriental sound (and a fine accompanying video). The re-make of the Cure's Just like Heaven is a fantastic version that has been a big radio hit in my neck of the woods. Instead of the synthesizers dominant in the version of the Cure, Katie provides a simple arrangement with a guitar in the foreground and soft singing. I like this version even better than the original one which still has aged remarkably well. The third minor hit of the album is Spider's Web which boasts lyrics worth taking note of and a tight production. I saw this track live on TV, that version was more energetic and even better. The musicians on this album, by the way, are top performers and one can really tell. The title track is also a grower, which showcases how Katie can handle well delicate singing.
These above songs have become radio hits, especially on Light Music radio stations practically everywhere in the world except the U.S. It would not surprize me if that would change.
Other tracks are good without exception but it must be said, the ones that have gained radio play and mentioned above are stand out tracks. This album as a whole is a grower, you catch yourself humming various tunes for a long time.
Piece By Piece is an easy sounding album with high standards. It is not groundbreaking but it is immaculately done and yet full of life. I recommend it.
Free Music Review: Nine million little bicycles
Hit: 5 Stars
Fans of bluesy jazz-pop crooners Norah Jones and Joss Stone need to sit up and take notice of Katie Melua. Following up on the success of “Call off the Search” (2003), her much anticipated second album doesn’t disappoint, and the twelve gorgeous tracks are guaranteed to mellow you to perfection.
Released since September 2005 in Europe, the Brits have a nine month jump on the USA, but finally this baby has arrived stateside amidst much rejoicing and celebration. Originally from Georgia (the former USSR, not the peachy place) and now settled in the UK, Katie’s sultry voice curls around your speakers and nestles comfortably against your eardrums, and even though I’m no fan of either jazz or blues, I thoroughly enjoyed this album from the first listen.
First single “Nine Million Bicycles” is an excitingly different and unforgettable track that starts with a simple truth: “There are nine million bicycles in Beijing / That's a fact / It's a thing we can't deny / Like the fact that I will love you till I die.” The music is hauntingly beautiful, perfectly matched by Katie’s clean, clear vocals.
Although every track is a winner, there are those that cry out for more attention, namely “Just Like Heaven” from the movie soundtrack of the same name; the social commentary of “Spider’s Web”; bouncy opener “Shy Guy” and the passionately performed title track; but let’s not forget the cover of the Canned Heat 1960’s hit “On the Road Again” and the catchy “Halfway Up the Hindu Kush”. “Thank You, Stars” is another perfect song, and to be honest, I should be recommending every song on this album.
“Piece by Piece” is highly recommended for fans of blues, jazz, pop and intelligent yet romantic music, and that’s no exaggeration.
Amanda Richards, June 6, 2006
Free Music Review: melua is magical
Hit: 5 Stars
Along with 'Call Off The Search', I can say that if I were stranded on desert island and could have only 10 CDs, 'Piece By Piece' would most assuredly be one of them. Every song is beautifully interpreted by this angelic songbird's ethereal, passionate and slightly melancholic bluesy voice. If you crave real talent and are just as displeased with the current state of the popular music as I am, call off your search and rush to by this truly magical second album by the incomparable Katie Melua. I doubt you will spend your entertainment money much wiser than this.
Melua is maturing as an artist and exploring the full range of her talent with this successful second album. Rather than dissect and deconstruct this song by song, I would recommend just enjoying and savoring each song for what it is. They all possess a unique quality that I trust will reach you on the deepest emotional level. Enjoy. I give this 5 stars without hesitation. I honestly feel blessed to be on the receiving end. One could only hope this marks but a second chapter in a wonderful and rewarding career for Katie Melua.
As an aside, I will add that Americans are really missing out in general by not embracing Katie Melua into the mainstream of popular music. In Europe and the UK, she has consistently topped the charts or sat nicely amongst the top 10/20 (depending on the country) for weeks on end. I am still unsure why she is not more popular here. I can only assume that it has something to do with the way she has been promoted and marketed. Her voice and talent far exceed anything that we are subjected to on our airwaves in the USA. And I have no doubt that she would win American Idol 10 times over had she the chance. Well, I think I've made my point. Just give this a listen, and you'll see what we've been missing.
Free Music Review: I will love you till I die
Hit: 5 Stars
"If you only knew
you could make your dreams come true"
Eternal love, haunting flute, guitar, piano, sweet sexy lyrics and everything you could wish for in a romantic dream of a collection of songs. Katie Melua's crystalline voice is like the comfort of cold milk from a cold glass after taking a bite of a rich chocolate brownie. Her voice is smooth, dreamy and satisfying.
Nine Million Bicycles has modern and nostalgic notes woven into a sweet fantasy of a song. When she isn't dreaming about enticing shy boys, she is poetic in her social commentary and delves into provocative concepts we face daily, but often fail to address.
I love the hopeless romantic concepts in "Piece by Piece," which is so true about trying to forget someone you love. Katie Melua isn't shy about getting downright sexy in some songs and her honesty is intriguing.
Most of the songs seem to embody a sweet country/folk mood with modern appeal. At times she seems to transcend the limitations of descriptions like adult alternative. She ranges from classical to country (On the Road Again) to jazz (Blue Shoes). She seems as comfortable alone with a guitar (Thank You, Stars) or on a stage with an orchestra. At times you can imagine she has walked out of an old movie and is singing a romantic ballad captured in a moment in time. "I Cried for You" has elements of ecstasy in a story of sadness. The entire album is exquisite with romantic appeal.
"You're the one I love most of all..."
~The Rebecca Review
Free Music Review: Melodic and Romantic
Hit: 5 Stars
Since the majority of the music I listen to is from the 1950s-1970s, I was most surprised to be introduced to a singer of today whom I liked so much. This collection of songs is exceptional in that they are all of a very high standard. Katie Melua's music is a special blend of blues, soft jazz and there are even ethnic elements in certain songs.
The first thing that strikes the listener is the beautiful melodies of the songs: numbers such as "9 Million Bicycles" have already become classics. The instrumentation on all pieces has been carefully arranged to enhance these melodies and the musical introduction and accompaniment are often beautiful in themselves. Katie Melua has an interesting voice full of emotion; however, what impressed me about her singing is not the quality of her voice but her unique and perfect intonation. Other reiviewers have compared her with singers such as Eva Cassidy (whose voice is indeed very beautiful) yet the melodies Katie sings are so special. As regards her vocal intonation and timing, I might even go as far as saying that at times she reminds me of Billie Holliday - yet the voice is, of course, distinct. Most people like to compare singers but I feel that in many ways Katie Melua is unique. There is something about her music that is not only relaxing, romantic and beautiful; it is also something very different.